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Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
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Search for Radiative β-Decay of the Free Neutron.

J Byrne1, R U Khafizov2, Yu A Mostovoi2

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, U.K.

Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
|June 17, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Researchers searched for free neutron radiative decay, setting a branching ratio limit of less than 6.9 × 10^-3. This experimental result is consistent with theoretical predictions for neutron decay.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Physics
  • Particle Physics

Background:

  • The radiative decay of free neutrons (n → n + γ) is a rare process predicted by the Standard Model.
  • Experimental searches are crucial for testing fundamental physics theories and searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct the first experiment searching for the radiative decay mode of the free neutron.
  • To establish an experimental limit for the branching ratio of this decay mode.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized six Cs(Tl) scintillators to study the gamma-ray spectrum from 35 keV to 100 keV.
  • Employed a central plastic scintillator electron detector and a micro-channel plate for recoil proton detection.
  • Recorded triple coincidence events to identify radiative decay candidates.

Main Results:

  • Established an upper limit for the branching ratio of neutron radiative decay: BR < 6.9 × 10^-3 at a 90% confidence level.
  • The obtained limit is slightly higher than theoretical predictions, by no more than a few tenths of a percent.

Conclusions:

  • The experiment provides the first direct limit on the neutron radiative decay branching ratio.
  • The results are consistent with current theoretical predictions, constraining potential new physics contributions.